1915 Cyclone Racer
For a brief but brilliant moment, the American-made Cyclone was in the spotlight, its prowess earning it praise as “the most feared competition machine of the era.”
Its first appearance took place in early 1914 at a California dirt tracks facing off against the top dogs of the day, Harleys and the new Indian 8-valve racer that was also making its first showing at the tracks. When the checkered flag fell, it had vanquished all that came up against, reaching speeds of 105 mph. It even set a record when racing and winning against the reigning King of Speed, Barney Oldfield driving his then-famous 300-hp racecar.
Motorcycle History
Just as suddenly as its star had risen, the Cyclone faded from the race tracks, the company falling into financial hard times and folding altogether in 1915. Cyclones in private hands continued to appear in events for several years, as late as 1922, Cyclone motorcycles were banned from many competitions because “they were too fast for the tracks.” Or too fast for the other manufacturers still in the business of selling motorcycles to the public?